FBI: Cyber criminals targeting healthcare payment processors
Editor's Note According to a September 14 FBI report, cyber criminals are increasingly targeting healthcare payment processors to redirect payments intended for healthcare providers to accounts they control, the American Hospital Association (AHA) September 16 reports. At least 68 attacks have occurred since June 2018, in which unknown cyber criminals…
Unintentional drug overdoses spiked in adolescents during COVID-19
Editor's Note This study by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, finds that the first year of COVID-19 saw a 113% increase in โYears of Life Lostโ (YLL) among adolescents and young people in the US because of unintentional drug overdoses. Among…
FDA: Class I recall of Baxter Clearlink Basic Solution Set with Duovent
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 15 identified Baxter Healthcare Corporationโs recall of its ClearLink Basic Solution Set with Duovent as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because of the risk for leaks that may expose providers and patients to hazardous toxic substances…
The Joint Commission announces review of certain standards, requirements
Editor's Note The Joint Commission announced on September 13 that it is reviewing its standards and requirements that go beyond the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) conditions of participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs to determine whether some should be permanently retired. โAs the [COVID-19 public health…
WHO: COVID-19 deaths at lowest level globally
Editor's Noteย According to the leader of the World Health Organization (WHO), the end of the COVID-19 pandemic may be near, as deaths are at their lowest level worldwide since the pandemic first began, US News & World Report September 15 reports. During the week of September 5 through September…
Anesthesiologist staffing ratio tied to mortality, morbidity
Editor's Note This study from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, finds that overlapping clinical responsibilities of a supervising anesthesiologist are associated with increased surgical patient mortality and morbidity. A total of 578,815 adult surgical patients from 23 US academic and private hospitals were included in the analysis. The patients…
ECRI, ISMP support World Patient Safety Day, September 17
Editor's Note ECRI and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) announced September 14 that they are joining the World Health Organization and healthcare leaders around the world in celebrating World Patient Safety Day on September 17, 2022. The slogan for this yearโs campaign is โMedication without Harm.โ In support…
Effects of COVID-19 on mental health, coping strategies of residents
Editor's Note In this survey of surgical, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and psychiatry residents by researchers from Florida Atlantic Universityโs Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Rotan, residents reported having effective coping strategies during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 59 residents completed the survey. Results showed…
AORN: New Guideline for Processing Flexible Endoscopes recommends drying cabinets
Editor's Note The recently revised โGuideline for Processing Flexible Endoscopesโ recommends that flexible endoscopes be stored in drying cabinets, the September 14 Periop Today reports. The explanation for this new recommendation includes: Optimal storage facilitates drying and decreases the potential for contamination. Studies on drying cabinets, which circulate HEPA-filtered air…
NIH launches program to expand the use of artificial intelligence
Over four years the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will invest $130 million in order to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence in biomedical and behavioral research communities, Healthcare Purchasing News September 14 reported. To generate tools, resources, and richly detailed data that is responsive to AI approaches, the NIH…